There’s no doubt that at Apple’s WWDC the emphasis is generally centered around software. As such, you can expect to see the majority of the buzz at the event generated by iOS 11, and other updates. However, Apple has been known to showcase new hardware at the conference too. And this year, it is expected to do the same, so in this article, we’re going to take a look at possible WWDC hardware launches. With the aim of giving you a little heads-up on what could be a tumultuous week ahead.

WWDC Hardware Launches

While the general population of those attending the annual Worldwide Developers Conference are developers and engineers. Usually, those who take a look at what Apple is working on and then go on to create the apps to support whatever that may be. The doors have also been open for ticket sales to none-technical people, meaning consumers could also attend. Having said that, the event which starts on June 5 and ends on June 9 isn’t cheap to attend. Tickets cost $1,599 and were distributed via a lottery system. For which if you wanted to visit, we’re sorry to say, that’s no longer possible.

Having said that, if the prospect of WWDC hardware launches has you excited, you can still watch it live. Apple will stream the event; you can find out all the details here.

As for what Apple hardware we will see, let’s take a look at the latest rumors.

Siri Speaker

Could the most prominent WDDC hardware launch be that of a Siri Speaker? Over the past couple of months, rumor has begun to spread about an Apple device that will take on the Amazon Echo. A Siri-powered speaker, like the Echo and Google Home, has long been called for by Apple fans. However, the company remains silent over its possible existence, with all we have to go on are rumors.

A recent report by Bloomberg cited the well-known KGI-Securities analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo, as suggested that these Siri Speaker are correct. And the device will indeed be unveiled at WWDC 2017. In fact, according to Kuo, the device has already been tested by some Apple employees at their homes.

As for what it is capable of, it’s widely speculated that facial recognition will play a large part in its functionality. This will enable it to tell the difference between users and as such tailor its usability in a personalized manner. It’s thought, this could be useful for such things as music playback, news, and game preferences.

Additionally, it’s likely that the Siri Speaker will integrate with HomeKit, and enable verbal control of a smart home. As and when we find out more, we will bring it to you. However, in the meantime, it’s a safe bet, that such a WWDC hardware launch would probably be a hit.

iPad Pro 2

As WWDC hardware announcements go, the iPad has been no stranger to such a thing. As such, we could see the iPad Pro 2 launch this year, and that’s in under one week’s time.

Concerning some evidence of this possibly happening, there’s a lot which shows the iPad Pro 2 in production. Recently, the respected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo shared his thoughts, and insider, insights into the matter. He suggested that there’s a 70-percent chance of the device showing up alongside the Siri Speaker.

What do we know about it, to start with there’s a new screen size of 10.5-inches. However, that could be just one of a possible three iPad Pro 2 variants in the works. As for what else, there’s supposedly a bigger battery, an improved Apple Pencil, and the A10X chipset for improved performance.

MacBook Pro

It has been some time since we’ve seen a WWDC hardware launch that was a MacBook. However, if the rumors are correct, this year, we could see the MacBook Pro, get an update. Furthermore, it’s possible that joining it could be the other two variants.

Sticking with the MacBook Pro, the device with the larger amount of rumors, it’s thought that no design changes will be made. Although, it will benefit from a series of internal component upgrades. Such as an upgrade to the latest 7th-gen Intel chip known as Kaby Lake. Additionally, rumors suggest, an improvement in SSD storage performance and capacity. Plus, an increase in memory speed and size, with the onboard RAM being upgraded from 16GB to 32GB.

If true, the problem for Apple, will that this will be seen as a refresh. Probably one that has come too soon for those who invested in the last update.

iPhone SE 2

Lastly, on this WWDC hardware launch predictions list, is the iPhone SE 2, it’s quite unlikely that we will see it at this event. However, the chances of it appearing are much higher than that of the iPhone 8. So, with that in mind, it is worth including it here.

If it does find it’s way to the event next week, it will no doubt replace the original iPhone SE. Plus, it’s likely to have a completely different design. Some rumors are suggesting it will have a complete glass-covered back, although not much else if anything is known. Which makes its possible unveiling alongside a Siri Speaker and MacBook Pro, less likely.

Recently we reported on images that leaked online for this handset; you can find out all about that here.

As and when we find out more, we will let you know. But, in the meantime, come and share your thoughts about these possible WWDC hardware launches.

Author: Darren WallDarren is a proud father of two and a dedicated mobile technology writer from the UK. He's been writing about all things mobile, wearable, apps and anything else tech related for many years now for various sites all over the world.